14 June 2016 - Philippine Ambassador to Myanmar Alex G. Chua led the commemoration of the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and the 60th Anniversary of the Establishment of Philippines-Myanmar Bilateral Relations on 10 June 2016 at the Sule Shangri-La Hotel. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Tin and Daw Lwin Lwin Hman were the guests of honor representing the Government of Myanmar.
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Chua paid tribute to Filipinos whose strength of spirit and resilience serve as the backbone for the country. Likewise, in highlighting the 60th anniversary of Philippines-Myanmar bilateral relations, he underscored the robust people-to-people exchanges which serve to strengthen relations between the two countries, and within the ASEAN region. “Filipino workers in Myanmar do contribute in the flourishing of businesses in Myanmar and in Myanmar’s overall economic development,” he said.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Tin congratulated the Philippines and the Filipino people on the auspicious celebration of Philippine Independence. He noted the Philippines’ contribution to Myanmar’s development. The Minister of State, taking note of the similarities in the history of the two countries, expressed hope that Myanmar will learn from the dynamism of the Philippines’ democratic institutions.
The diplomatic reception featured Mr. Joamar Canosa and Palanca-awardee Mr. Jose Dennis Teodosio’s documentary on the Philippines-Myanmar bilateral relations. The AOC Orchestra, a local strings quintet, played the Philippines and Myanmar National anthems, in an exceptional and moving performance. Ms. Shen Nebre, a Filipino, accompanied by the AOC Orchestra, punctuated the celebration with a rendition of Filipino folk-singer Freddie Aguilar’s Anak which was popularized in Myanmar by respected singer-song writer Htoo Ein Tin. END
